You can minimize the frustration and waste from miscuts by cutting larger pieces first and dryfitting them as you go. If you make a mistake, you can use the same piece to cut the smaller lengths.

You’ve measured twice, you’ve carefully marked for the cut with a pencil, so you cut right up to the line… right? Actually, it’s more accurate to just remove the pencil line with the saw blade. You can sneak up on the line by bumping the blade into the wood just a little until you get it just where you want it.

Drilling mishaps can be time wasters too. Avoid splitting a board by keeping screws or nails 2 inches or more from the end, or else drill pilot holes. Avoid splintering the wood when you cut holes. Instead of drilling through the face from one side, stop when the bit just pokes through, then finish the hole from the other side.

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